BBM for iPhone and Android app launches delayed

The BBM for iPhone and Android apps have been delayed following a number of leaks, with ailing manufacturer BlackBerry facing yet another major stumbling block.

With the BBM Android app having been set to launch in the Google Play Store at midday yesterday, September 21, the free messaging application failed to materialise. The BBM for iPhone app was supposed to be rolled out at one minute past midnight this morning but has again failed to appear.

Confirming the BBM for iPhone and Android app delays, BlackBerry has issued a statement, blaming leaks for the postponement but failing to confirm any new release date.

“We are pausing the global roll-out of BBM for Android and iPhone,” an official BlackBerry spokesperson said. “Prior to launching BBM for Android, an unreleased version of the BBM for Android app was posted online. Consequently, this unreleased version caused issues, which we have attempted to address throughout the day.”

They added: “Our teams continue to work around the clock to bring BBM to Android and iPhone, but only when it's ready and we know it will live up to your expectations of BBM.

“As soon as we are able, we will begin a staggered country roll-out of BBM for Android and continue the roll-out of BBM for iPhone.”

The long awaited BBM for iPhone and BBM Android apps were originally confirmed back at BlackBerry Live back in May, but have left eager consumers waiting, with this weekend’s proposed releases pushing the limits of the previously tipped summer arrival.

The new delays are yet another major blow to BlackBerry, just days after the company announced expected $1 billion Q2 losses and the upcoming need to slash 40 per cent of its global workforce.

With 4,500 jobs to go in the coming months, BlackBerry stated on Friday: "We are implementing the difficult, but necessary operational changes announced today to address our position in a maturing and more competitive industry, and to drive the company toward profitability.

CEO Thorsten Heins added: "Going forward, we plan to refocus our offering on our end-to-end solution of hardware, software and services for enterprises and the productive, professional end user."